Charity Preview raises $3.9 million

Photo courtesy of the North American International Auto Show Charity Preview
Uncle Kracker performs to finish off the glittering charity preview of the 2013 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

While some guests at Friday’s Charity Preview munched on spring rolls and sipped champagne, 3-year-old Gabrielle Smith had only one thing on her mind.

“I want some gum,” she said with a big smile lighting up her face.

Little Gabrielle and her parents, the Rev. Gregory and LaToi Smith of Warren, were at the swanky fundraiser at Cobo Center as ambassadors for the March of Dimes.

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The annual event held on the eve of the 2013 North American International Auto Show was attended by 13,069 and raised $3.9 million for nine Detroit-area children’s charities including the March of Dimes.

They were joined at a Dodge display along with Anthony Viviano, chairman of Sterling Heights Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram and vice chairman of the March of Dimes Metro Detroit board, along with WJR-AM (760) air personality Frank Beckmann and other Chrysler officials including Scott Garberding, senior vice president of manufacturing for Chrysler, an honorary chair for the March of Dimes event.

Gabrielle, who wore a silver dress with a bow on front, kept busy entertaining reporters as she played with a WXYZ-TV (Channel 7) microphone flag as her parents talked about how she was born four weeks early with several birth defects including ventricular septal defect, or a hole in her heart.

Thanks to assistance from the March of Dimes, surgery has since corrected that condition and she is now a bubbly young lady who enjoys singing worship songs with her brother, Gregory III.

“This wonderful child is proof of where your charity dollars go,” Viviano said. “That’s why the local auto dealers are involved in the Charity Preview — it comes from the heart.”

Meanwhile, Roger and Lory Eger of Grosse Pointe Farms attended with their 9-year-old daughter, Melissa, as ambassadors for the Detroit Institute for Children. Melissa goes to the DIC’s rehab center in St. Clair Shores after undergoing surgery on her legs for a variety of conditions.

“I got my hair done, I got my nails done,” Melissa said in explaining how she prepared for the party.

Hairstyles and nails, along with gowns and tuxes, shared equal billing with the cars on display at the Charity Preview, which is metropolitan Detroit’s premier gala.

From auto industry executives to elected officials and local celebrities, all guests spoke about how long it took them or their spouses to prepare for the event.

Even Gov. Rick Snyder said it took him almost as long as his wife, Sue, or about 30 minutes.

“It took me the longest to do cufflinks and a tie — I’m not used to either one,” he said.

As a last-minute surprise, country-rocker Uncle Kracker — Harrison Township resident Matt Shafer — was announced as the guest entertainment.

The North American International Auto Show opens to the public today. Hours are 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. today through Jan. 26. Hours on Jan. 27 are 9 a. to 7 p.m. Tickets are $12 for adults, $6 for seniors and $6 for children. For more information, visit www.naias.com.